EXCITEMENT is building as signs have gone up for a new Italian restaurant opening in Billericay High Street.

La Dolce Vita is set to open on the site of the former Amico Italian Restaurant, a few shops down from the Blue Boar pub and opposite Hackers escape room.

The restaurant promises to offer a new “Italian experience” to the High Street, with signs going up over the weekend for the new eatery.

Billericay West councillor, Phil Turner, has wished the new owners luck and believes the opening will be another boost for the High Street.

He said: “I will go there and I will support them, I think anybody who wants to invest in the High Street can only be applauded and I hope they are there for many years.

“I hope it is profitable and I am am sure residents of Billericay will go there as the High Street presents a great night out.

“I take off my hat to anyone who wants to invest in food. Good luck to Dolce Vita. I will eat there and give my support.”

Billericay High Street has recently seen a range of new restaurants open and refurbishments, including Meyra Brasserie, which opened earlier this year on the site of the former Prezzo, and the Maggio Lounge, which opened in an empty M and Co unit.

Mr Turner added that while the opening is good news, he and residents are eager to see a balance between the town’s night-time and retail offer.

He said: “It is a question of whether or not the High Street can sustain this. It is not just me, that is a concern of my constituents as well, who are concerned about a lack of retail.

“I asked some years ago for a focus on the High Street and many units have been up for sale and we miss the opportunities to buy them.

“We can have investment in the High Street that would pay for itself at our disposal to bring in different types of shops, things like retail rather than all pubs, clubs and restaurants.”